The article delves into the intricate process of creating high-quality wigs for TV and film productions. At Rob Pickens Studio, wig makers use a meticulous approach to craft hyper-realistic wigs, starting with a customized fitting that captures the nuances of the actor's head shape and hairline. A head wrap is created using cellophane and tape, and the hairline is traced to record its intricate growth patterns.
The studio uses a variety of techniques, including ventilating, knotting, and coloring, to achieve a natural look. They also use real human hair, which is preferred over synthetic hair for its natural texture and appearance. The coloring process requires a close understanding of the scene's lighting and how it will interact with the wig.
The article highlights the challenges of creating identical wigs, particularly for stunt performers, and the use of different materials and techniques to achieve the desired look. The application of the wig is also a crucial step, requiring a secure and comfortable fit.
The article showcases the attention to detail and expertise required to create high-quality wigs, which can make or break the believability of a character's appearance on screen.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Millie Bobby Brown couldn't shave her head for the fourth season of Stranger Things, so a wig was created for her character.
2. The hair department uses a hyper-customized fitting process to create a wig that matches the actor's hairline and head shape.
3. The process involves molding the actor's head with a head wrap using cellophane and tape.
4. The head wrap is then transferred to a canvas block, which is shaped to match the actor's head using a mix of cork and stuffing.
5. The lace used for the wig's foundation is a very fine denier to create a realistic look.
6. The hair team uses a variety of knotting techniques, including Point knotting, to tie the hair to the lace.
7. The hair used for hero wigs is typically real human hair, while synthetic hair is used for background characters.
8. The coloring process for wigs requires a close understanding of the scene's lighting and how it will interact with the wig.
9. The hair team may use multiple colors to create a natural look, and can use up to five or six colors depending on the project.
10. For period pieces, the hair team may need to create era-specific hair colors that are no longer common.
11. When creating wigs for real people, it's crucial to nail every detail to make it look like a natural progression of the same person over time.
12. Wig makers may need to create multiple versions of the same wig for stunt performers or photo doubles.
13. Creating identical wigs can be difficult, and requires a variety of techniques, including dipping processes and texturizing.
14. Stunt wigs are typically made with synthetic hair for durability and are designed to be faster and easier to apply.
15. The application process for wigs can be complex, and may require specialized techniques, such as the "fracture wrap" method.